- Afenifere cautioned that the introduction of Sharia law could lead to violence and disruption in the South-West
- The group appealed to Yoruba political leaders and traditional rulers to reject any move toward Sharia law in the region
- Afenifere called on the South-West governors to stand united against the imposition of the law
The United Kingdom and Europe branch of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly opposed calls for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West region of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 29, 2024, in London, the group's Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ajayi, emphasised that the Yoruba people are too enlightened to be divided along religious lines.
He urged those advocating for Sharia law in the region to desist, warning that such efforts could lead to disunity among the Yoruba.
Afenifere opposes Sharia in South-West Nigeria
“The group called on all the Yorubas at home in the diaspora to unite against the move being targeted to destroy the South-Western region in the name of Sharia law.
"We cannot allow Sharia law in our region. We already have enough challenges to deal with in our region. Besides, Muslims are not the majority in the region. We have been living together from time immemorial in peace and unity.
“We have Muslims, Christians and traditionalists in our families, some living together in the same house without any discrimination or disunity,” Ajayi stated.
Ajayi specifically addressed the upcoming inauguration of a Sharia court on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo State.
He argued that this event should not be used as a platform to introduce Sharia law into the predominantly Yoruba South-West, which he noted is distinct from the northern region of Nigeria, where Muslims are the majority.
Afenifere warns that Sharia law could disrupt unity
Speaking further, he said, “We will not allow anything to interrupt our existing relationship. Moreso, why not develop our customary courts instead of bringing an idea that may distract us from having solutions to our economic challenges?
“Anyone clamouring for Sharia law in the South-West is plotting an agenda that will not stand.”
The Afenifere group also appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other Yoruba leaders to take a stand against the move.
The group expressed concerns that the push for Sharia law could disrupt the region’s long-standing peaceful coexistence of different religious communities.
"We call on all the South-West Governors to unite against this plot irrespective of political parties. We equally call on our traditional rulers to rise up to protect the Yoruba land.
“We are peace loving people but the idea of Sharia law in the region might spark up violence because it is a religious establishment.
Afenifere cautioned that such a move could have serious consequences, urging both political and community leaders to prevent any attempt to impose Sharia law on the South-West.
“Religion has been a tool of destruction in the hands of bad people in Nigeria. This should not be allowed in the South-West, not now, not ever.
"We are aware that some of our people are already in support of the idea due to religious affiliation but we appeal to them to reason beyond religious sentiment and desist from supporting it. We condemn and reject the move completely."
Tax Reform Bills: Afenifere endorses Tinubu’s decision
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Afenifere officially expressed its support for the proposed tax reform bills in Nigeria.
The pan-Yoruba group emphasised that the tax reforms would benefit all Nigerians , including those in the northern regions, by enhancing infrastructure and services.